"Doctor Chen, I can't thank you enough for today. My wife is on her way here now. How about we all have dinner together tonight? It's your first time in Capital City, after all. We could be your guides?" After Chen Zhenjun prepared the porridge, vitamins, glucose, and other nutritional supplements for his son, he approached Chen Fei once more with the sincere invitation.

If not for Chen Fei's generous intervention, his son, Chen Lin, might have truly lost his life this time. That was why, even though many matters were piling up and certain subordinates had called him numerous times—calls he didn't answer—he still made the offer. It wasn't even entirely appropriate for someone of his status to be too close to Chen Fei, yet here he was, inviting him to dinner. He was even willing to have his wife, Yi Zhenru, accompany them to show Chen Fei around Capital City as his guide.

Considering Chen Zhenjun's identity as a High-Ranking Executive Vice Minister—a position ordinary people would consider unbelievably prestigious—he was willing to humble himself by acting as a guide! And for a young man in his twenties, no less. If word of this got out, it would undoubtedly leave many people speechless with envy and jealousy.

"There's no need, really," Chen Fei said, shaking his head with a smile. "Uncle Chen, you should take care of your own business first. Your son will need meticulous care during this period, so you can't afford any distractions. Besides, I have some personal errands to run, so I'd prefer to go alone." He did, in fact, have some private matters to attend to.

"Alright then. If that's the case, I won't insist," Chen Zhenjun relented with a smile, giving Chen Fei his phone number. "Oh, by the way, this is my number. You should take it down, Doctor Chen. If you need anything at all, you can call me directly. Anytime."

He couldn't guarantee everything, but with his status as a High-Ranking Executive Vice Minister, he was confident he had enough influence, even in Capital City, to handle and resolve most issues that might arise.

Just then, a young man approached respectfully. "Doctor Chen, Mr. Du sent me to ask if you need any assistance. A car, or perhaps some manpower?"

"A car?" Chen Fei echoed, slightly surprised. He thought for a moment before shaking his head. "Just have someone drop me off at the largest nearby commercial center. This area is too remote." He had noticed upon arriving that while the courtyard house wasn't technically in the suburbs of Capital City, it was pretty close. He wanted to get to a livelier, more bustling area first, like a commercial district. At the very least, it would be nice to walk around. It wasn't every day he got to visit Capital City, and he couldn't let the opportunity go to waste.

"Yes, sir," the young man replied with an immediate nod.

About ten minutes later, a low-profile Audi with an intimidating license plate pulled silently out of the courtyard.

A little over half an hour later, Chen Fei was dropped off alone in a famous bustling district within Capital City's Third Ring Road. Gazing at the dense crowds, the youthful and attractive women with their fair skin, shapely figures, and long legs, Chen Fei chuckled to himself and began to wander around leisurely.

Wandering around alone is supposedly a dreary affair, but for Chen Fei, it had been a long time since he could be so carefree and live like a normal person. The playful grins, the easygoing laughs, the hearty chuckles, the shy glances... all the various facets of life intertwined to form a marvelous tapestry that brought an unconscious smile to his face. Perhaps this is the charm of life. Even amidst confusion, disappointment, and immense pressure, there will always be happy days. For many people, that's enough to be content.

BEEP, BEEP, BEEP...

Just then, Chen Fei's phone rang. He pulled it out and saw it was a call from Old Master Xuu. This person's status was not ordinary; he was one of the Republic's oldest Founding Fathers, a veritable Sky-reaching Ancient Tree. A VIP like that calling him personally probably meant it was nothing trivial. He immediately pressed the answer button. "Hello, Grandpa Xuu, it's me. What's the occasion? Is something urgent?"

But to his surprise, Old Master Xuu on the other end of the line immediately laid into him good-naturedly. "You little rascal, you're not an honest one, are you? You came all the way to Capital City and didn't even think to call and let this old man know?"

"Heh heh, so you found out, Grandpa Xuu," Chen Fei chuckled, not minding the tone at all. "I just got here and had to finish something up. I was planning to wander around on my own for a bit, then call you later to see if I could scrounge some dinner."

"What fun is there in wandering around by yourself?" Old Master Xuu rattled on. "How about this: I'll have Xiaosan'er come find you. Let him show you around for a while, and then you two can come over for dinner together later."

And in truth, ever since Chen Fei had 'defied the heavens' for him and snatched another year of life back from fate, the old master's health and spirits had improved several times over. His voice was now loud and full of vigor, which was truly heartening to hear. Hearing Old Master Xuu's words, Chen Fei was quite moved. After all, given the man's status, there was no need for him to be so polite and enthusiastic. But relationships between people could be funny that way. The old master had clearly been thinking of him; otherwise, why would he call so soon after he arrived in Capital City, and with that playfully scolding tone? It was like a doting elder throwing a small tantrum, or even like an old friend you hadn't seen in ages. It was a wonderful feeling.

"Xiaosan'er? Who's that?"

"That's my grandson, Xuu Ji. We've called him Xiaosan'er since he was a kid and the name just stuck," Old Master Xuu explained. "Alright, I'm hanging up. I'll have him call you in a minute." He hung up, and a moment later, a call from an unknown number came in.

Chen Fei answered. "Hello?"

"Doctor Chen, is that you? It's Xuu Ji," a vaguely familiar and excited voice came from the phone. As a top figure in Capital City's circle of powerful scions, it was rare for Xuu Ji to get so excited, but Chen Fei was an exception. In his eyes, Chen Fei was just like the old monsters from certain special departments in the city—a monster himself! Not to mention that Chen Fei had saved his grandfather's life, so he wouldn't dare show the slightest hint of neglect.

"It's me," Chen Fei confirmed, nodding. "Doctor Xuu, you really didn't have to. I was just about to head over myself..."

However, before he could finish, Xuu Ji cut him off with a laugh. "Doctor Chen, you're being too polite! It's my honor to be your guide. Where are you now? I'll come pick you up immediately."

"I'm at... let me see... right, I'm at xxxxxx," Chen Fei said, telling him the location. "There's no rush. I'll just keep looking around here. Give me a call when you get here."

「Meanwhile, at the Xuu residence」

Old Master Xuu was still on the phone, calling his children.

In his mind, Chen Fei was not only his, Xuu Dongtian's, lifesaver, but also an extraordinary urbanite possessing immense potential and terrifying strength. Even Elder Xunn, who was always at his side, had told him frankly that the young man was a dragon in a shallow stream, destined to one day soar to the Nine Heavens! He, of course, trusted his old friend's judgment. It was only natural, then, that he hoped his family could all forge a good connection with Chen Fei and have a chance to meet him.

Old Master Xuu was unable to have biological children and, due to a personal conviction, had never married. However, after the founding of the Republic, he adopted a son and a daughter. His eldest son, Xuu Wangyang, was in his early fifties and currently served as the Deputy Chief of Staff for the Capital City Military Region. His younger daughter, Xuu Peiyi, held a director-level position in the Ministry of Health. For their age, they were both highly accomplished, a credit to their military family, and held positions of great authority.

Figures of their stature had countless matters to handle daily and their schedules were planned far in advance. Yet, upon receiving the call from their adoptive father, Old Master Xuu, they both unhesitatingly postponed, and in some cases canceled, all appointments and engagements to hurry home. His daughter, Xuu Peiyi, who wasn't even in Capital City, immediately booked a flight back.

This was not just due to the old master's authority; it was also because of their own gratitude toward Chen Fei and their awe for such an extraordinary urbanite. The change in their father before and after Chen Fei's help was plain to see. The mere thought of it was astounding.

Of course, Chen Fei had no idea what a commotion the old master had stirred up, mobilizing his entire family. He was still leisurely strolling about and had even stopped to watch half a movie. He was just getting into it when he felt his phone, which he'd set to silent, begin to buzz.

That must be Xuu Ji. It seems he's arrived. Chen Fei shook his head with a touch of regret, then stood up and walked out of the movie theater. He spoke on the phone to coordinate, and soon spotted him.

Standing in front of an imposing Hummer was Xuu Ji, dressed in casual attire and looking around. The moment he spotted Chen Fei, his eyes lit up. He strode over quickly and greeted him with a broad smile and a loud, clear voice, "Doctor Chen! It's been a long time. Welcome to Capital City!"

"Heh, it certainly has been a while," Chen Fei laughed, extending a hand. "And you, Doctor Xuu, have gotten even more handsome and dapper."

At over 1.8 meters tall, with his handsome face and the physique of someone who clearly paid attention to fitness, Xuu Ji had a distinguished and stylish air about him. The expensive-looking designer casual wear he had on only enhanced his sharp features and masculine charm. It was no wonder Chen Fei would tease him like that.

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